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UConn Men, Women Reach Final Four Despite Financial Pressures
The Huskies' basketball dynasties continue despite challenges from the new revenue-sharing era in college sports.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:10am
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UConn's dual basketball dynasties overcome financial hurdles to reach the Final Four once again.Fort Worth TodayThe UConn men's and women's basketball teams have both advanced to the Final Four, a rare dual accomplishment that comes as the school navigates financial pressures from the new revenue-sharing rules in college sports. Despite lacking the advantages of Power 5 football programs, UConn has found ways to fund its elite basketball programs led by coaches Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma.
Why it matters
UConn's ability to maintain its basketball dominance on both the men's and women's sides is an impressive feat, especially given the financial challenges the school faces as the only Big East program with an FBS football program. The revenue-sharing rules have created new hurdles, but UConn has proven it can overcome them through private donations and a commitment to excellence across all sports.
The details
On Sunday, the UConn men's team secured a spot in the Final Four with a last-second 73-72 win over Duke, while the UConn women's team dominated Notre Dame 70-52 to also advance to the Final Four. This marks the sixth time in school history that both the men's and women's programs have reached the Final Four in the same year, a feat unmatched by any other university. However, UConn faces unique financial pressures as the only Big East school with an FBS football program, which puts it at a disadvantage under the new revenue-sharing rules that favor Power 5 conference schools. To overcome these challenges, UConn has relied on private donations and a commitment to excellence across all sports.
- On Sunday, March 30, 2026, the UConn men's and women's basketball teams both secured spots in the Final Four.
- Earlier this past year, in June 2025, UConn announced it would spend $18 million on revenue-sharing across sports and was working to boost revenue streams.
The players
Dan Hurley
The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who is one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport with an average annual salary of $8.3 million.
Geno Auriemma
The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who is one of the highest-paid coaches in women's basketball with an annual salary of $3.7 million, not including bonuses.
Dave Benedict
The athletic director of the University of Connecticut, who has overseen the school's efforts to navigate the financial challenges of the new revenue-sharing era in college sports.
Braylon Mullins
A UConn freshman who hit the game-winning three-point shot to defeat Duke and send the men's team to the Final Four.
Val Ackerman
The commissioner of the Big East Conference, who praised UConn's basketball programs and their continued excellence.
What they’re saying
“We just find a way. You put up hurdles, we find a way to get over 'em. You put up walls, we break 'em down. So look, it's never gonna be easy, being in the situation we're in, but we find a way.”
— Dave Benedict, UConn Athletic Director
“Geno's helped me a lot. Geno's helped me learn how to get here.”
— Dan Hurley, UConn Men's Basketball Head Coach
“I don't think so. I mean, the University of Connecticut commits in all sports. … We're an everything school, and the university's behind us.”
— Dan Hurley, UConn Men's Basketball Head Coach
“The Huskies proved today hands down why they belong in the all-time top echelon of men's and women's college basketball programs. Talent, leadership, grit—they have it all. Score two for the basketball schools.”
— Val Ackerman, Big East Commissioner
“It's the basketball capital of the world. I don't think anyone could debate that at all.”
— Dan Hurley, UConn Men's Basketball Head Coach
What’s next
The UConn men's team will face Illinois in the Final Four in Indianapolis, while the UConn women's team will face the winner of the South Carolina-TCU matchup in the Final Four in Phoenix.
The takeaway
UConn's ability to maintain its status as a basketball powerhouse on both the men's and women's sides, despite the financial challenges posed by the new revenue-sharing era in college sports, is a testament to the school's commitment to excellence and its willingness to find creative solutions to overcome obstacles. The Huskies' dual Final Four runs showcase the program's enduring legacy and its place among the elite basketball programs in the country.
